Blog | Stiles Associates

The Inside Stories of Top Leaders we've Recently Placed

Written by David Portney | May 14, 2025 1:42:18 PM

 

 

Even in tumultuous global trade environments, the demand for A-players remains strong. Below is a brief overview of the Operations leadership roles we filled in Q1 2025:

Role: COO
Company: Private equity-backed highly engineered specialty agriscience materials
Annual revenue: $400M
Location: Illinois

Who was hired

  • Packaging veteran – Rexam and Sonoco alum.
  • Deep experience running complex, multi-site operations across a global footprint.
  • Experience with full P&L oversite up to $750M (headcount: 1,500). 
  • Previous demonstrable results in PE-backed turnaround situations.
  • Acquisition selection and integration experience.
  • Over 10 years of experience leading teams using Lean/TPS business systems.
  • Servant leader with a track record of upskilling the teams they lead.

Role: Vice President, Operations
Company: Family-owned turnkey electronics manufacturing services (bilingual workforce)
Annual revenue: $75M
Location: New York

Who was hired

  • Seasoned manufacturing operations leader with previous turnaround experience.
  • Deep experience driving accountability, engagement and growth earned working at world-class manufacturing organizations.
  • Experienced at building operations management systems that drive clarity, align priorities and enable flow.
  • Pedigree Lean training from Shingijutsu consultants.

Role: General Manager
Company: Private equity-backed recreational vehicles OEM and service
Annual revenue: $300M
Location: Tennessee

Who was hired

  • Nearly 20 years in organizations with OEM sales and service platforms.
  • Spent the previous 15 years in Operations leadership roles, including full P&L.
  • Previous experience with PE-backed organizations.
  • Additional experience implementing Lean business systems and accelerating balance sheet improvement.

Role: Director, Operations
Company: Family-owned vehicle lighting products and safety systems manufacturer
Annual revenue: $300M
Location: Indiana

Who was hired

  • Veteran of the automotive Tier I and Tier II markets.
  • Nearly 10 years spent in automotive lighting – Operations leadership, plant start-up, engineering.
  • Previous roles with responsibility for continuous improvement.
  • P&L ownership.

Role: Factory Director
Company: Technology leader in sustainable energy
Annual revenue: $6B
Location: Missouri

Who was hired

  • Seasoned Operations leader with over a decade of experience in Danaher and Stanley Black & Decker.
  • Deep exposure and training from Shingijutsu coaches.
  • Full P&L ownership in complex manufacturing organizations.
  • Experience installing operating systems that drive engagement and results.
  • History of rapid achievement and promotion.

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